The new policy will allow eligible travellers to apply for an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) instead of a traditional visitor visa when travelling to or transiting through Canada by air.

In a statement, Canadian immigration, refugees and citizenship minister Lena Metlege Diab said the changes would take effect at 5.30am Eastern Time today.

Under the revised requirements, Malaysian citizens who have held a Canadian temporary resident visa (TRV) within the past 10 years, or who currently hold a valid US non-immigrant visa, may be eligible to apply for an eTA instead of a visa.

Those with valid TRVs may continue using them for travel to Canada, while travellers can check the official Canadian immigration portal for eligibility details and application procedures.

The eTA application is used by Canadian officials to conduct pre-travel screening for air travellers.

Separately, the High Commission of Malaysia in Ottawa welcomed the move, describing it as a positive step, reflecting stronger bilateral and economic ties between the two countries.

In a Facebook post, it said Malaysians who do not meet the criteria but plan to enter Canada must apply for a standard TRV.

Malaysia is one of Canada’s largest bilateral merchandise trading partners in Southeast Asia. Since 2020, bilateral trade between both countries rose 60% from US$3.8 billion in 2020 to US$6.1 billion in 2025.

In 2025, Canada welcomed about 11,500 visitors from Malaysia.